INFORMATION SHEET 2.

1-1
SELECT MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

Assessment Criteria
1. Measuring instruments are selected according to job requirements.
2. Measuring tools are selected/identified as per job requirements

MEASURING TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS

Measurement is the process or the result of determining the ratio of a physical

quantity, such as a length, time, temperature, etc., to a unit of measurement, such as the
meter, second or degree Celsius. The science of measurement is called metrology.
The English word measurement originates from the Latin mēnsūra and the
verbmetiri through the Middle French mesure.

Electrical measuring tools and instruments are sensitive and delicate so extra care is
necessary in handling them. These are used to measure currents, voltages, resistances,
wattages and other important elements in electrical works. This topic, will tackle the
function/use of each measuring tool and instrument used in doing a electrical task.
Different
kinds of measuring tools and precision measuring instruments are as follows:
Measuring tool/instrument Description

Test Light is a pocket size tool used to

test the line wire or circuit if there is
Twoincontact
current it.

One contact neon

This means that no direct metallic

contact with the circuit is required.
The user must touch the top of the
handle to provide a ground reference
(through stray capacitance to ground),
at which point the indicator LED will
Non contact light up or a speaker will buzz, if the
conductor being tested is live.

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 Caliper rule The caliper rule can be
either vernier or micro meter. These
tools are commonly used to measure
Micrometer the diameter of wires/conductors in
caliper circular mils. It can measure small and
big sizes of wires and
Vernier caliper
cables.

Wire Gauge is used in determining the

size of wires/conductors. The gauge
ranges from 0 to 60 awg ( American
wire gauge).

Ruler/foot rule is a measuring tool

used to measure length, width and
thickness of short flat object and in
sketching straight lines

*A ruler/rule is a tool used in, for

example, geometry, technical drawing,
engineering, and carpentry, to
measure lengths or distances or to
draw straight lines. Strictly speaking,
the ruler is the instrument used to rule
straight lines and the calibrated
instrument used for determining length
called a measure. However, common
usage calls both
instruments rulers and the special
name straight edge is used for an
unmarked rule.

Pull-Push Rule is a measuring tool

used to measure the length of an
object in centimeter and inches

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Ammeter is an instrument used to
measure the
amount of electrical current intensity in
a circuit.
The unit of measure is ampere (a). It is
connected along or series to the
circuit.

Voltmeter is an instrument used to

measure
electrical pressure or voltage of a
circuit. The
unit of measure is volt (v). This is
connected
across or parallel to the circuit.

Clamp Ammeter is also called tong-

tester. It is
used to measure current flowing in a
conductor.
It is clamped or hanged in a conductor.

Volt-Ohmmeter (VOM) otherwise

called as
Multi-tester; is used to measure the
voltage,
resistance and current of a circuit. It is
connected in parallel or series with the
circuit
depending on what to measure.

Electric meter is an electrical

device used to record the amount of
electrical energy consumed by an
appliance or electrical system in a
particular period of time.

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 SELF CHECK 2.1-1

I. Direction: Match the electrical measuring tools and instruments in Column

A to their descriptions in Column B. Write the letter of your answer in the
space provided before each number.

Column A Column B

A. Voltmeter
_____1.

B. Volt-ohmmeter
_____2.

C. Push Pull Role

_____3.

D. Clamp Ammeter

_____4.

E. Wire gauge

_____5.

II. Multiple Choice:

Direction: Choose the correct answer and write only the letter on your answer
sheet.

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1. An instrument used to measure the amount of electrical current intensity in a
circuit.
a. Voltmeter
b. Ammeter
c. Micrometer
d. Ohmmeter

2. A pocket size tool used to test the line wire or circuit if there is current in it.
a. Test light
b. Wire gauge
c. Micrometer
d. Pull-push rule

3. A measuring tool used to measure the length of an object in centimeter and

inches.
a. Test light
b. Wire gauge
c. Ruler
d. Pull-push rule

4. It is used to measure the diameter of wires/conductors in circular mils. It can

measure small and big sizes of wires and cables.
a. Voltmeter
b. Ammeter
c. Micrometer
d. Ohmmeter

5. It is used to measure the voltage, resistance and current of a circuit. It

connected in parallel or series with the circuit depending on what to measure.
a. Volt-Ohm-Millimeter
b. Micrometer
c. Ohmmeter
d. Ammeter

ANSWER KEY 2.1-1

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I.
1. C
2. E
3. A
4. B
5. D

II.

1. b
2. a
3. d
4. c
5. a

INFORMATION SHEET 2.2-1

SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT

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 A system of measurement is a set of units which can be used to specify anything
which can be measured.
These are common units of measurement used in making layout and installation of
electrical materials.
Linear measures
1. English system:
The English system of measurement grew out of the creative way that people
measured from themselves. For example, people measured shorter distance on the
ground with their feet. They measured long distances by their palms which is equal to
a yard.
 Inch
 Yard
 Miles
2. Metric system is a decimalized system of measurement. It exists in several
variations with different choices of base units. Metric units are widely used around
the world for personal, commercial and scientific purpose.
 Millimeter
 Centimeter
 Decimeter
 Meter

English units and each equivalent

 12 inches =1foot(ft)
 1 foot = 3yard (yd)
 1 yard = 36 inches

Metric units and each equivalent

 10millimeter (mm) = 1centimeter (cm)
 10centimeter = 1decimeter(dm)
 10 decimeter = 1meter

English to metric equivalent

 1 inch = 2.59 cm
 1 foot = 30.48 cm
 1 yard = 91.44 cm

The centimeter graduation

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 .5mm 1mm 10mm or 1cm

The graduations show that every digit is .5mm

How to read the cm graduation:

 First graduation is .5 mm
 Second graduation is 1mm
 Third graduation is 1.5mm
 Fourth graduation is 2mm

If the graduation reaches 10mm, it is equivalent to 1cm.

The inch graduation

0 1/8 1/4 3/8 1/2 5/8 3/4 7/8 1 inch

1/16 3/16 5/16 7/16 9/16 11/16 13/16 15/16

How to read the inch graduation:

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  First graduation is 1/16
 Second graduation is 18

 Third graduation is 3/16

 Fourth graduation is 1/4, then follow the given scale above.

The inch graduation in a steel rule:

Converting the unit of measurement from English to metric and vice versa

Example:
1. 24 inches = ________ cmCancel the common unit and apply cross
Since multiplication.

24 inches = 2.54 cm
1 inch

24 x 2.54 cm Perform the indicated operation.

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Therefore: 24 inches = 60.96 cm

2. 5 feet = ________ inches

Since
5 feet = 12 inches
1 feet

5 x 12 inches
1
Therefore: 5 feet = 60 inches

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 SELF-CHECK 2.2-1

A. Direction: Write the equivalent value of the given unit.

1. 1cm is ______ mm
2. 1 yard is _____ inches
3. 1dm is ______ cm
4. 10mm is _____ cm
5. 1foot is ______ inches

B. Direction: Write the correct unit abbreviation of the following:

_______ 6. centimeter
_______ 7. Meter
_______ 8. Decimeter
_______ 9. Yard
_______ 10. Feet

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 ANSWER KEY 2.2-1

A.
1. 10 mm
2. 36 inch
3. 10 cm
4. 1 cm
5. 12 inch

B.
6. cm
7. M
8. yd
10. ft

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 INFORMATION SHEET 2.3-1
USE MEASURING TOOLS

INTORDUCTION
The Multitester or multimeter, sometimes called VOM (voltmeter, ohmmeter,
milliammeter), is the best instrument that can meaure voltage, resistance and
current. It is generally made of two types, the analog and the digital.
A. PARTS OF A MULTI TESTER

POINTER. The
needle-shaped rod
that moves over the scale of a meter.

Pointer It is mechanically
connected to the
moving coil. it
indicates the
measured values on
the multimeter

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 Proper care and maintenance of the multi tester

1. Read manual of instructions on how to operate the multi-tester.

2. In reading the amount of voltage, always start with the highest range to avoid
reading voltage higher than the tester setting.
3. Be sure that the tester is set to the correct range setting: resistance range
when measuring the ohm, voltage range when measuring voltage and
ammeter range when measuring the value of electric current.
4. Always check the condition of its battery. Worn out batteries will damage the
internal setting of the tester.
5. When the tester is not in used or will be stored, set the selector switch to
1000V or to OFF position.
6.Never drop the tester.
B. How to read the meter scale of the multi tester
To read the resistance range of the multi-tester, the given table below will be
used. The unit of measurement to be used to determine its resistance is ohm.
Range 0-2 2-10 10-20 20-50 50-100 100-200
Range x1 0.2 0.5 1 2 5 20
Range x10 2 5 10 20 50 200
Range x1k 20 50 100 200 500 2k
Range x10k 200 500 1k 2k 5k 20k

SELF CHECK 2.3-1

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Direction. Identify the following parts of a Tester put your answer in the space
provided.

Learning Outcome 1: COMMON ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS

Electrical Symbols are small drawings or pictograms used to represent various

electrical devices in a diagram or plan of an electrical circuit. These symbols is used
in sketching schematic diagrams and electrical plans for numerous types of electrical
works. Practically any electrical fixture found in a house has a symbol that coincides
to said fixture on an electrical wiring diagram. These are very useful guide for an
electrician or electrical contractor, thus, making the wiring easier to install as well.

The following are common electrical symbols used in sketching wiring plan and
diagram.
Symbol Description Symbol Description
Conductor/Wire Ammeter

Wires Not
Voltmeter
Connected

Connected Wires Wattmeter

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 Switch Fuse

Bell Circuit Breaker

Push Button Service Entrance

Kilowatt-Hour
Buzzer
Meter

Fluorescent Lamp Bulb

Convenience Power Panel

Outlet Board
Special Purpose
S1 1 Gang Switch
Outlet

Floor Outlet Ground/Earth

Diode Resistor

Diode LED Capacitor

Antenna Battery

ELECTRICAL SIGNS
Your power tool with its manual may contain "WARNING ICONS" (a picture
symbol intended to alert you to, and/or to instruct you how to avoid a potentially
hazardous condition). Knowing and understanding these symbols will help you
operate your tool better and more safely.
Electrical signs and stickers alert students, workers, and visitors to electrical
hazards in the area. Alerting workers to high voltage areas, electrical hazards, power
lines and other electrical equipment in the area, can help prevent fires and injuries.
Proper electrical signs can inform workers of the dangers in the area.

CAUTION indicates some precautionary measures against

potential hazardous situation which if not avoided, may
result to a minor or moderate injury.

SAFETY ALERT indicates that a person should observe extra

awareness

PROHIBITION means that any activity is not allowed as stated by the symbol.

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DANGER specifies hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result to a serious injury or even death.

WARNING specifies a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result to serious injury or even death.

READ AND UNDERSTAND

INSTRUCTION MANUAL means that a person should make some
reading before doing any activity.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION indicates that a person should wear safety

goggles or any related protection for the eyes.

ELECTRICAL HAZARD indicates that electrical hazard is present in the area.

VOLTAGE DANGER indicates high voltage in the area and surrounding

equipment.

Below is a drawing of an electrical plan. Enumerate the number of

outlets, bulbs, one-gang switch, two-gang switch and three-gang switch.

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 Number of electrical fixtures found in the electrical plan

QUANTITY ELECTRICAL FIXTURES

Bulb
convenience outlets
one gang switch
Two gang switch
Three gang switch

ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAM

The flow of current in a conductor or wire can be represented by diagram. There are
two types of diagram: pictorial diagram and schematic diagram.

A. Pictorial diagram is a sketch

of electrical circuit that shows the
external appearance of each
component. It is much like a
photograph of the circuit and
uses simple images of parts.

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 Sample Pictorial diagram of one bulb
controlled by single pole switch using 9 volt
battery source.

Schematic diagram is a sketch showing the components of the circuit using

standard electrical symbols. It shows the actual number of components and how the
wiring is routed but not the actual location.

Diagram A Diagram B

Sample schematic diagrams of one bulb controlled by single pole switch using direct
current (Diagram A) and alternating current (Diagram B) source.

Types of Circuit

1. Series Circuit is a circuit in which lamps are arranged in a chain, so that the
current has only one path to take. The current is the same through each load.
Example of this is the Christmas lights. It consists of a number of bulbs that are
connected side by side to meet the voltage requirements which is 220 volts for
alternating current.

Pictorial diagram of Christmas light in series circuit

Schematic diagram of three bulbs

connected in series controlled by a
single
pole switch.

Parallel Circuit is a circuit in which lamps are connected across the wires. The

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voltage across each load on parallel circuit is the same. The advantage of using
parallel circuit is that even if one of the lamps fails, still the remaining lamps will
function.

Pictorial diagram of two bulbs connected in parallel

circuit controlled by a
single pole switch.

Schematic diagram of three bulbs connected in

parallel circuit controlled by a single pole
switch.

ELECTRICAL PLAN
Electrical plan is a graphical presentation of electrical wiring connections to install
in a particular house or building. It indicates the position of electrical fixtures such as
convenience outlets, switches, lightings, door bells, and others to be installed.

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